Author Question: Four-year-old David is placed in Buck extension traction for Legg-Calv-Perthes disease. He is crying ... (Read 86 times)

burchfield96 · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

Four-year-old David is placed in Buck extension traction for Legg-Calv-Perthes disease. He is crying with pain as the nurse assesses that the skin of his right foot is pale with an absence of pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Notify the practitioner of the changes noted.
b. Give the child medication to relieve the pain.
c. Reposition the child and notify physician.
d. Chart the observations and check the extremity again in 15 minutes.

Question 2

The nurse uses the palms of the hands when handling a wet cast for which reason?

a. To assess dryness of the cast
b. To facilitate easy turning
c. To keep the patient's limb balanced
d. To avoid indenting the cast

Ahernandez18 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The absence of a pulse and change in color of the foot must be reported immediately for evaluation by the practitioner. Pain medication should be given after the practitioner is notified. Legg-Calv-Perthes disease is an emergency condition; immediate reporting is indicated. The findings should be documented with ongoing assessment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Wet casts should be handled by the palms of the hands, not the fingers, to avoid creating pressure points. Assessing dryness, facilitating easy turning, and keeping the patient's limb balanced are not reasons for using the palms of the hand rather than the fingers when handling a wet cast.